Letter to Yemen's vice-president

Abd al-Rab Mansour al-Hadi

Vice President

Office of The President

Sana'a

Yemen

21st November 2011

Your Excellency,

I would like to bring to your attention the case of Fatima Hussein Badi. Fatima was sentenced to death in February 2001 for the murder of her husband Hamoud Ali al-Jalal. 

Fatima was threatened with rape during her interrogation by the police and denied access to a lawyer. During a number of her trial hearings she had no legal representation and was prevented from speaking in court. 

I am writing to you to urge you to commute Fatima Hussein Badi’s death sentence, as she was convicted following an unfair trial. 

I call on you to ensure that Yemen works towards abolition of the death penalty, and ask that all defendants in Yemen be tried in accordance with international standards for fair trial, including ensuring that all defendants have access to legal representation and adequate time and facilities to prepare a defence.

Write for Rights on 10th December 2011

All year round, and all over the world, people write letters in support of prisoners of conscience and people facing human rights abuses.

Now in its 50th year, Amnesty International is co-ordinating a 'Write for Rights' day, on 10th December. Amnesty is highlighting cases and asking people to join the campaign for their rights.

As well as writing letters to people in positions of power, Amnesty is asking people to join their greetings card campaign.

By sending a personal message in a card, you can show your support and solidarity with the people highlighted, who are often being held in terrible conditions.

Amnesty says, "for prisoners of conscience, for families whose relatives have disappeared, for people in danger for defending human rights, the cards bring comfort and hope; they offer encouragement and support, and raise spirits. Above all they are a sign that people care.

The cards can also make an impression on police officers, prison staff and political authorities - and that can help to improve the way they treat individuals at risk."

Find out more and get involved at: www.amnesty.org.uk/write.

Single mothers, singled out - letter to the Chancellor

Rt Hon George Osborne MP
Chancellor of the Exchequer
HM Treasury
Horse Guards Road
London SW1A 2HQ

7th November 2011

Dear Mr Osborne,  

I’ve spent some time this evening reading the Fawcett Society report, ‘Single Mothers, Singled Out’

I feel strongly that the government should be doing everything they can to support children and families – and in particular single-parent families.

I was disappointed to read in the report that lone parents are hardest hit by the ‘reforms’ to taxes and the welfare rights system. Surely this is a key group, which the system should be supporting?

The report also suggests that lone parents are suffering most from the cuts to public services.

I would be interested to hear your perspective on this – I’m sure you would not have intended this outcome and now it has been brought to light I feel it is imperative that the government acts quickly to ensure that lone parents are not made poorer.

I would welcome a response to my letter.